‘Wise up Sinn Fein - there’s only three flags in Castledawson’ - McCrea

In a statement, the DUP assembly man said: “I have been contacted by constituents regarding the recent comments made by Sinn Fein Councillor Sean McPeake that Castledawson would not get the use of Christmas lights due to flags flying in the village.

“After driving through Castledawson, it was clear that there were only around three flags up in Castledawson, which caused me to question how anyone could become offended other than those like Cllr McPeake who obviously set out to take offence.

“Having heard speeches from Sinn Fein recently about their opposition to Majority Rule, their hypocrisy knows no bounds as in Magherafelt Council where they hold the outright majority; they abuse their majority rule position at almost every meeting.

“I want to put on record my appreciation for the efforts of those within the local community group who volunteer their time for the benefit of all the people in Castledawson from both sides of the community.”

Mr McCrea added: “I can only suggest that Cllr McPeake should wise up and stop playing petty politics with Christmas lights and call on his party colleagues at Stormont to sort out Welfare Reform and the budgets and get on with the job of delivering for the people they claim to represent.”